Gabriela DeBues-Stafford smashes her own Canadian record in insanely fast Worlds 1,500m final

Gabriela DeBues-Stafford just finished sixth in what might have been the fastest 1,500m race in women’s running history. The 24-year-old Canadian smashed her own Canadian record, running 3:56.12 in the most exciting race of the championship thus far.

NEW CANADIAN RECORD ?

?? @gstafford13 DOES IT AGAIN! Strong race by the 24 year-old, breaks her own 1500m Canadian record by running 3:56.12 for 6th place in the women's 1500m World Championship final ?#WorldAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/XFkLo7ya6N

— Athletics Canada (@AthleticsCanada) October 5, 2019

RELATED: Gabriela DeBues-Stafford sets 7th Canadian record of 2019

First place went to Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands who also becomes the first person (man or woman) to successfully complete the 10,000m/1,500m double at the Olympic or World Championship level. Hassan finished in a new championship record, and one of the fastest runs of all time, in 3:51.95. Second place went to Faith Kipyegon in a Kenyan national record of 3:54.22 and third to Gudaf Tsegay in a personal best of 3:54.38.

Of the top six runners, four set national records, including Shelby Houlihan, who finished in fourth in an American record of 3:54.99.

RELATED: DeBues-Stafford and Seccafien advance in their events

DeBues-Stafford ran a decisive race, taking it out for the first 200m before being passed by Hassan who clearly wasn’t messing around. Hassan likely knew that there were women in this field, like Houlihan, with extremely impressive speed. The 10,000m world champion knew she had to make it honest to win this race. As Hassan picked up the tempo she dragged a group of six women to places they’d never gone before. DeBues-Stafford hung tight to the rail, making smart decisions throughout the entire race. As she hung on for the finish line, there was a smile on her face, knowing she was about to do something very impressive.

HISTORY IN DOHA

Netherlands' Sifan Hassan completes the double, becoming the first athlete to win gold in both the 10,000m and the 1500m at track and field worlds #Doha2019 pic.twitter.com/auncgkRPrq

— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) October 5, 2019

The Canadian has had a storybook season. She’s now set eight national records (six in the books as she’s broken her own 1,500m record twice in one season), she was a staple on the Diamond League scene, easily won Canadian nationals and now finished sixth in arguably the most competitive finals in women’s 1,500m history.

The Canadian will now take a well-deserved break before beginning her Olympic campaign. We can’t wait to see what 2020 will bring for one of Canada’s best-ever runners.